Rafting refers to descending down the more or less wild rivers in a rubber boat called a raft. It is an adventure and a true sport and tourist pleasure. Rafting tours are suitable for everyone and no prior paddling knowledge is required. Rafting guide-skippers are experienced kayak-skippers, excellent connoisseurs of wild waters, particularly Una River. Brace yourself for the exhilarating thrill of Una River Rafting, an adventure that takes you through emerald landscapes and rocky canyons. Each rapid navigated is a chapter in a poetic journey, where the river becomes a companion guiding you through a pulsating landscape of untamed beauty. The Una River isn't just a watercourse; it's a dynamic force that beckons adventurers to witness the region's rugged charm from a unique and adrenaline-fueled perspective.


Una RC Kiro Rafting

In the tapestry of Bihać's history, the parish unfolds its story, rooted in the ancient soil since the 13th century. Picture a medieval Bihać adorned with six or seven churches — St. Anthony, St. Elizabeth, St. Mary, St. Lucy, St. James, Holy Spirit, and St. Mary Magdalene.

Traveling to the mid-17th century, the Bihać parish takes center stage, its church weathered by time. It fades into the shadows during the tumultuous Vienna War (1683 - 1699), reappearing only in the echoes of 1741. Then, a whisper in 1768 speaks of a humble mission, tended to by a devoted priest. The parish records begin their tale in 1771.

The 19th century dawns with a parish priest's dream to build on the sacred land of Križ. Yet, Ottoman authority forbids the dream's realization. It takes the breath of freedom in 1885 to see the construction of the parish church, standing proud in 1891. Bombed in 1943, it endured, a testament to resilience. The current octagonal beauty, crowned with a bell tower, rose from the ashes in 1972.

The parish house, a silent witness to centuries, took form in 1900 and, with each passing year, stands as a sanctuary.

The Franciscans, custodians of faith, danced on the edges of Bihać's embrace. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, their dwelling whispers in the winds of Kralje; by the 1840s, it finds solace in Vedro Polje. The priest's steps ascend Križ's hill in 1855, where a home blooms in 1860.

Now, cast your gaze to the sisters of devotion. Since August 24, 1894, the Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ have graced Bihać. Their convent of St. Joseph, a sanctuary of faith and knowledge, echoes with a story of service. World War II shadows their school, a beacon of enlightenment, nationalized post-war but resilient in purpose.

In 1991, the Bihać parish, a living testament to time, counted 3,620 faithful hearts (1974: 4,200). Today, its embrace shelters 2,961, a community eternally intertwined with the vibrant threads of Bihać's narrative.

Crkva sv. Ante Padovanski

In the heart of Bihać, a legend whispers through the ages, revealing a tale of an ancient Roman warrior whose battle-hardened exterior crumbled at the sight of the Una River's emerald beauty. Picture this: the warrior, weathered by countless conflicts, stumbled upon the river's enchanting waterfalls, gilded cedars, and vibrant shores. In that moment, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Una!" The river, a vision of unparalleled beauty, captured his soul.

As the legend unfolds, the Roman, captivated by Una's spell, made a life-altering choice. He abandoned the battlefield, shedding his armor for a shepherd's attire, surrendering to the allure of Una's beauty. One fateful morning, he witnessed a maiden, seemingly born of the river's ethereal essence. Determined, he followed this "otter of a woman," crossing a footbridge between ancient cedars and disappearing into a humble hut.

What happened next was nothing short of magical. The Roman, now a shepherd, emerged cradling a newborn girl. With Una as his witness, he joyously raised the infant high, declaring her name in triumphant repetition: "Una, Una, Una!" A tale of transformation, of finding joy in unexpected places.

Fast forward to 1986, and Bihać immortalized this legend with the installation of the stone sculpture "Girl from the Una." For over three decades, this artistic masterpiece, born from the mind of academic sculptor Vladimir Hrljević and the vision of Boško Marjanović, founder of the eco-conscious "Una Emeralds," has stood as a symbol of the city's rich history and the enduring magic of the Una River. Today, the legend lives on, echoing through the stone, the river, and the whispers of the city's emerald heart.

Djevojka sa Une

Nestled within the tranquil landscapes of Krajina, Ostrožac stands as a captivating testament to the medieval legacy that has shaped this picturesque region. Amidst the well-preserved remnants of ancient fortresses and towns, Ostrožac emerges as a jewel, embodying a rich history of adaptation and refinement.

Dating back to at least 1286, Ostrožac's historical roots run deep. While some suggest an even earlier existence around 405 BCE under names like Horosium or Hostosach, historical evidence remains elusive.

Throughout the 15th century, Ostrožac thrived with its own judiciary, council, scribe, and seal. However, in 1577, the town fell under Ottoman rule, marking a shift in its narrative. Noteworthy among its custodians was Osman aga Beširević (1690 - 1727), the pioneering captain of the Ostrožac captaincy, who played a pivotal role in the fortress's repair and expansion.

As the 16th century drew to a close, the captaincy housed 150 residents, a number that grew to 204 in the mid-17th century and further expanded to 266 by the 18th century, complete with two large and four small cannons for defense. Ostrožac, at the start of the 19th century, boasted an arsenal of 28 cannons and a substantial garrison of 4150 soldiers.

With the advent of Austro-Hungarian rule, a new era dawned for Ostrožac. The Beširević family relinquished control to Lothar von Berks, the chief of the Bihać District from 1896 to 1905. Von Berks continued the legacy of restoration and expansion, taking up residence within the castle's walls in 1902.

In 1969, a transformative initiative unfolded with the establishment of the Sculptors' Colony "Ostrožac," catalyzing a contemporary chapter for the ancient fortress. Perched above the Una River, this open-air studio has become a haven for sculptors, carving expressions from the local bihacite stone during the summer months.

The legacy of the Sculptors' Colony endures in the creation of the Sculpture Park, an open-air gallery that graces Ostrožac with a unique blend of history and contemporary artistic expression. Today, Ostrožac stands not merely as a relic of the past but as a living canvas, where history, art, and nature intertwine in captivating harmony.

Ostrožac Castle

Perched majestically atop a steep hill, the Old Fortress of Ostrovica commands a panoramic view over the left bank of the upper Una River, near the quaint settlement of Ostrovica, not far from Kulen Vakuf in the municipality of Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With origins tracing back to the 15th century, Ostrovica is documented as the property of the esteemed Croatian noble family Kurjaković. Built upon foundations that likely date back to antiquity, this medieval stronghold was situated within the Croatian district of Lapac. Over the centuries, its ownership transitioned from the Kurjaković family to the Frankopans, Juraj Mikulčić, Ivan Keglević, and eventually to the Kulenović family after the Ottoman conquest.

The Ottoman conquest in 1463 heightened pressures on Croatian territories, leading to the capture of Ostrovica in December 1523. It was subsequently incorporated into the Bosnian Pashaluk, remaining under Ottoman rule until 1878 when it passed into the hands of the Habsburg Monarchy. During the Ottoman era, Ostrovica underwent strategic expansions and fortifications, serving as both a stronghold and a residence for military garrisons. Initially commanded by a dizdar in the 16th and 17th centuries, the leadership later transitioned to a captain from the late 17th century onwards, establishing Ostrovica as the central seat of the Captaincy of Stara Ostrovica. This captaincy encompassed additional smaller fortifications such as Orašac, Havala, Džisri-kebir (present-day Kulen Vakuf), Čovka, and Donji Lapac. The prestigious role of captaincy was often held by members of the influential Bosnian beg family, the Kulenovićs. However, as geopolitical dynamics shifted and Donji Lapac fell under Habsburg rule, the captaincy's headquarters were strategically relocated to the fortress of Prkose.

The walls of the Ostrovica fortress underwent substantial expansion and fortification during pivotal periods, notably in the early 17th century during Sultan Ahmed I's reign and further enhancements in the 18th century, ultimately assuming their present dimensions of 117 meters in length and 83 meters in width. This historic bastion stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ostrovica, where layers of history unfold amidst its formidable walls and commanding vantage point.

Ostrovica

Nestled in the embrace of Bihać, the Church of St. Anthony tells a tale that weaves through time, a testament to resilience and transformation. Its foundations were laid in the twilight of the 19th century, the last brushstrokes completing the masterpiece in 1894. Legend whispers that its sacred ground cradles the echoes of a medieval church, a silent witness to Bihać's storied past.

Crafted with meticulous care, the architects envisioned more than a church; they dreamed of an architectural symphony. The Church of St. Anthony rose with a commanding presence, its spatial design covering around 900 square meters, crowned by a lofty rectangular bell tower. Alongside the Fethija Mosque and the Captain's Tower, it stood as a sentinel above the city, an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Bihać.

The winds of World War II brought change, as the church underwent a metamorphosis in response to the turbulent times. In 1941, the order came to dismantle the Orthodox church to its very foundations. Yet, from the rubble emerged a reborn St. Anthony's Church, reaching skyward with an additional floor to its bell tower, extending its form to embody the shape of a cross.

In this reimagined guise, the church earned its place among the giants, becoming one of the three largest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a grandeur stretching across 58 meters. The winds of war, however, were unkind. In 1944, the thunderous roar of Allied bombers echoed through the city, leaving scars on the church's facade.

Yet, resilient as the spirit it symbolizes, the square tower with its enduring bell tower stood tall, defiant against the march of time. Today, it stands as a silent sentinel, a poignant reminder of wartime sacrifices and a living testament to the endurance of Bihać's spirit.

Perched atop a lofty and steep hill, the ancient Sokolac Fortress boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times when the remnants of a settlement still lingered in its immediate vicinity. This robustly constructed fortress relied on the commanding Sokolac Tower, strategically positioned on the city's highest point—a precipice plunging steeply towards the Una River and Bihać from the north and east. Although first recorded in 1369, historian Ivan Tomašić suggests an earlier construction date of 1020.

Sokolac functioned with a castellan, a garrison, and estates that sustained its defenders. Under the jurisdiction of the ban, the Sokolac garrison drew support from the Brekovica and Omršal estates, nestled between Bihać and Ostrožac along the Una's left bank, as well as a vast estate in the Bihać field. The castellan, overseeing the garrison, wielded judicial authority over those dwelling on the fortress's estates. Despite its prominence in Sigismund's court, Sokolac, along with Bihać and Ripče, faced financial strains, leading to pledges to Pavle Čupor in 1410 and later to Nikola and Stjepan Frankopan in 1431.

By the late 15th century, Sokolac came under the ownership of Croatian Ban Ivaniš Korvin, succeeded by the Orlovići and Kerečeni in the early 16th century. Post-1527, royal soldiers, commanded by the captain of Bihać, guarded Sokolac, tallying 12 guards in the city in 1563.

In 1592, Sokolac fell under Ottoman rule, establishing a permanent military presence led by the assistant (ćehaja) of the Bihać captain. The early 16th century witnessed a modest garrison of 19, later relocated, and unmentioned in the 1643 census. The mid-18th century saw a 20-strong garrison, equipped with two smaller cannons for defense.

Sokolac stood as one of the region's best-preserved fortresses until recent times. In 1898, Count Lothar Berks, the chief of the Bihać district, spearheaded a restoration, opening it to visitors. A tavern, offering postcards and city insights, graced a floor of Sokolac Tower. The fortress received its last restoration in 2015. Today, the medieval Sokolac Fortress is accessible from Bihać by foot or bike through the "Debeljača" trim trail. 

Sokolac fort

The fortress of Orašac, a testament to the Ottoman era, stands proudly in the municipality of Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Positioned on a steep hill, a short distance from the right bank of the Una River in the village of Orašac, it lies 11 km downstream from Kulen Vakuf.

Constructed between 1703 and 1730, this stronghold incorporates a medieval tower that once belonged to the Hum County. It served as a vital component of the Ostrovica Captaincy, governed by a captain known as the "dizdar." Under the command of dizdar, the fortress housed a garrison of 60 soldiers and officers. In 1782, Ahmedaga held the post of dizdar, succeeded by Huseinaga Grozdanić and his son, with Dervišaga concluding the line as the last dizdar. By 1833, the fortress boasted three cannons. Locals proudly link Orašac to the legendary figure Budo Talo, a prominent character in Bosnian folk epic poetry.

Presently, the fortress stands in a state of graceful decay, with the tower remaining as the most resilient testament to its storied past.

Stari Grad Orašac

Nestled in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the National Park Una is a pristine and captivating natural wonder. Established in 2008, it spans across the Una River, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and scenic landscapes. The park derives its name from the Una River, which meanders through its lush forests, creating a haven for biodiversity and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

With its diverse ecosystems, including dense woodlands, meadows, and cascading waterfalls, the National Park Una offers a unique blend of flora and fauna. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, lynx, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

One of the park's highlights is the Una River itself, celebrated for its emerald-green waters and a series of spectacular waterfalls, such as the Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod. Visitors can explore the park's network of hiking trails, providing breathtaking views of the river, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes. Adventure seekers can also engage in activities like kayaking and rafting on the Una River, experiencing the thrill of its rapids and the tranquility of its calmer stretches.

The National Park Una not only offers a retreat into the untamed beauty of nature but also serves as a vital conservation area, preserving the unique ecosystems that thrive along the riverbanks. Whether seeking outdoor adventures or simply a serene escape into nature, the National Park Una beckons with its unspoiled charm and a harmonious blend of water, flora, and fauna in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nacionalni park Una


In the heart of Bihać, Turbet's history is woven with tales as diverse as the city itself. One legend traces back to the tumultuous days when Bihać defended itself against the formidable Austro-Hungarian forces. Two Pashas sacrificed their lives in this struggle, finding their eternal rest just across from the Captain's Tower.

The Pasha's wife, gazing from the tower's lofty windows, witnessed an ethereal green light above their graves. It was said to be a sign, a divine nod to the dedication of the fallen heroes. Inspired by this mystical occurrence, believers constructed a Turbe at the site, crafted from the warmth of wood, sheltering two tombstones within its sacred walls. For years, a vigilant guard with a rifle stood watch over this hallowed ground.

Time passed, and with the Austro-Hungarian era, a new chapter unfolded. The construction of St. Anthony's church began at the Turbe's location, but rather than erasing the past, it merely nudged it a few meters away. Rising from the local bihacite stone, a new Turbe took shape, its enduring form a testament to the resilience of history.

Though the recent war left scars on this sacred monument, it stands today, restored and resilient. Turbet represents more than stone and history; it embodies the spiritual culture of the Bosniak people, an irreplaceable part of Bihać's soul.

Paired with the Captain's Tower, the grand tomb, and the Catholic church tower, Turbe completes the historical tapestry of Bihać. It's not just a monument; it's a living legacy, etched into old postcards and the memories of those who have seen Bihać evolve through time.

Turbe – mauzolej u Bihaću


Although among the oldest structures in Bihać, the Captain's Tower has not yet revealed the date of its birth. If its builders and users did not leave behind basic personal information for the sake of future generations, later historians have roughly determined the period from which it originates: the late Croatian and early Ottoman period.

Like many ancient buildings in Bihać, the Captain's Tower has its own small history. According to H. Strauss's theory in the book "Bihać Towers and Fortresses," the Captain's Tower was built in 1205 and was one of four towers, three of which were destroyed in 1201-1202. According to folk tales that contain some kind of historical basis, the Captain's Tower, or the fortified Bihać, saved the life of the Hungarian king Béla IV, who was pursued to the very walls by swift Tartar horsemen. In gratitude, Béla IV declared Bihać a free city, and on the stone facade of the tower, he had his symbol - the black raven - carved.

With the arrival of Austro-Hungary in these areas, the tower was converted into a prison or a county jail. From then until many years later when Bihać completely emerged from its ramparts and became an urban center, the Captain's Tower served exclusively as a prison until 1959 when it was handed over for use to regional museum curators. The building has been completely adapted and now has, we might say, its true content: it has been transformed into a museum space with permanent exhibits.

Captain's Tower

The Bihać sarcophagus stands as a silent custodian of tales, known by the evocative title of the Tomb of Croatian Nobles or the Tomb of the Bihać Nobility. Its origins trace back to the twilight of the 19th century, a testament to a bygone era following the Austro-Hungarian annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hallowed grounds chosen for its creation were destined to hold a legacy, the very site where the majestic Church of St. Anthony of Padua would later rise in Bihać.

Within the sacred confines of this sarcophagus, the essence of nine remarkable individuals from Bihać is preserved. These were the valiant souls who, defending their city, met their fate in the tumultuous battles against the Ottoman forces during the early 16th century.

Picture the initial resting place – the weathered walls of the old Church of St. Anthony, where Croatian nobles, including an esteemed tailor, found their eternal repose. Yet, history took a turn when the Ottoman shadows cast their veil over Bihać in 1592, transforming the church into the Fethiye Mosque. The nobles' remains were relocated to a nearby plot, standing witness to the passage of centuries.

Then, a chapter unfolded in the late 19th century, where the distinguished departed were granted a new sanctuary – the Bihać sarcophagus. The noble names etched into history include Nikola Farkašić, Ivan Bucković, Bernardin Stivković, Luka Cvitković, Ivan and Gašpar Kobašić, Petar Rebrović, Luka Bihaćanin, Juraj Šubić, and Ivan Izačić.

Fast forward to the artistic endeavors of Tomislav Turkalj in 2009, a maestro who breathed life into devastated reliefs and crafted a replica of the Bihać sarcophagus. As the seasons changed, so did the narrative of this eternal resting place, weaving a captivating story that echoes through the ages, reminding us of the valor and sacrifice encapsulated within its stone embrace.

Bihaćki sarkofag

Fethija Mosque, stands as a captivating historical site in the town of Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina and stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. Its origins trace back to 1266 when it was originally erected as a Catholic church dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, making it the oldest Gothic building in the country. This architectural gem took on a new identity after the Ottoman Empire's conquest of Bihać from Habsburg Croatia in 1592, undergoing a transformation into a mosque.

The mosque's conversion marked a significant chapter in its history, reflecting the dynamic cultural shifts in the region. The original Catholic structure, accompanied by a monastery, is noted in a 13th-century charter of the Croatian nobility, providing a glimpse into the building's early role in the religious and cultural landscape.

Today, Fethija Mosque stands as a testament to the coexistence of diverse cultural influences throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina's history. Its transition from a Catholic church to a mosque symbolizes the region's rich tapestry of heritage and serves as a poignant reminder of the complex historical narratives that have shaped the town of Bihać over the centuries.